Everything The Traffic Will Allow is Klea Blackhurst’s loving tribute to the songs made famous by the quintessential stage personality Ethel Merman. Rather than a Merman imitation, Klea offers a paean to the great Broadway legend that serves as a potent and happy reminder of Merman’s sheer, undeniable importance to both the history of twentieth-century entertainment and the iconic composers like Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Jerry Herman, who wrote songs just for her. The engagement is a rare chance to experience Blackhurst’s crackling wit and powerful vocals as she performs her brilliant, savvy valentine to one of American theatre’s greatest stars.

“Merman would be proud of the tribute.  One can almost hear her encouraging words from the wings, ‘Sing out, Klea!’” —Variety

“A smart, funny tribute….Brava, Klea – this is one helluva show!” —Time Out New York

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Nobody loves to sing more than Klea Blackhurst. From Ethel Merman to Jerry Herman, Klea has been known to zero in on the contributions of someone specific, but this time? Klea goes themeless! From "A Cockeyed Optimist" to "The Sunnyside of the Street," An Evening with Klea Blackhurst is a wonderful celebration of American popular songs, Musical Comedy, and the pocket trumpet. There are a few contemporary surprises as well.  Klea will have you listening and laughing to the lyrics of Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Yip Harburg, Ira Gershwin, Oscar Hammerstein, and Dorothy Fields.

“Blackhurst’s singing is extraordinarily exciting! …An invitation to a party you never want to leave!” – Show Business

“Always award-worthy, the effervescent Klea Blackhurst will win you over with pluck, verve and talent – this amazing gal who understands what entertainment is all about.” – NEXT Magazine

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Klea brings her first artistic collaboration with Billy Stritch to the Box Set! Together they created a critically acclaimed show that joyously mined the catalogue of one of America’s most treasured songwriters, who wrote such standards as “Skylark”, “Georgia On My Mind” and “Star Dust.” 

Hoagy Carmichael, the celebrated American composer, pianist, singer, actor and bandleader, wrote some of the most lasting and influential pop songs of the twentieth century. Collaborating with lyrists that range from Frank Loesser, Mitchell Parish and Johnny Mercer to Ned Washington, Paul Francis Webster and Harold Adamson, his contributions to Hollywood films and the hit parade are invaluable to the Great American Songbook. Klea – called “a huggable performer with a positive attitude, a sunny voice and a refreshing sense of humor” by Variety – and Billy, praised for a voice “beguiling in its warmth, delicacy and clarity of diction” by The New York Times, perfectly capture Hoagy’s signature blend of easygoing American charm and Tin Pan Alley sophistication.

Klea’s ebullient delivery complements Billy’s suave crooning on a remarkable range of Carmichael’s compositions. Selections range from standards loved around the world – like such as “Star Dust,” “Heart and Soul” and “Skylark” – to lesser-known songs “Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief” (first performed by Betty Hutton in the 1945 film The Stork Club) and “My Resistance Is Low” (a hit in London from the film Las Vegas Story, but relatively obscure in the states) to the virtually unknown, like “Walk It Off.” Klea and Billy take turns on solos, such as her rollicking take on the rarity “Come Easy Go Easy Love”, and his impassioned, powerful “Georgia On My Mind.”

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Transport Group will stage a one-night-only concert of Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's Follies at Carnegie Hall on June 20. The evening, part of the Off-Broadway company's Anne L. Bernstein Concert Series, will feature an all-star cast directed by Transport Group Artistic Director Jack Cummings III and music directed by Joey Chancey.

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Klea Blackhurst turns her long association with Broadway’s Jerry Herman into a new show, ONE OF THE GIRLS. Considered one of Herman’s premier interpreters, Klea officially became one of “Jerry’s Girls” when she was cast as Dolly in the 50th Anniversary Production of Hello, Dolly! at Goodspeed Opera House. But they were introduced years before, when Jerry heard Klea sing one of the cut Hello, Dolly! songs written for Ethel Merman (the original choice to star in the show.) He immediately invited Klea to sing with the London Philharmonic at the Palladium and she’s been singing his songs with symphony orchestras across the country ever since. ONE OF THE GIRLS will focus attention on the powerful, loving and memorable women in Jerry’s life. Both real, like his dear mother Ruth, who taught him that you could throw a party simply because “It’s Today” and characters like Mame, who encouraged us to “Open A New Window”, Dolly Levi, who decided to rejoin the human race “Before The Parade Passes By” and Zaza, who bravely declared, “I Am What I Am”. Jerry has lifted wonderful women off the page and into our hearts for almost six decades. 

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Following her critically acclaimed tribute to Ethel Merman “Everything the Traffic Will Allow” Klea Blackhurst next turned her passion for musical-theatre history towards the “checkered” (his own word!) Broadway career of composer Vernon Duke with "Autumn in New York: Vernon Duke's Broadway."

Vernon Duke was the creator of such indisputable standards as “April in Paris” and “Autumn in New York,” although each was unfortunately nestled in a gargantuan flop – Walk a Little Faster and Thumbs Up! respectively.  His legacy as a Broadway composer ultimately rests on 1940’s Cabin in the Sky, but there are countless musical treasures written throughout his career – songs from Banjo Eyes, starring Eddie Cantor and Dancing in the Streets, starring Mary Martin.  There’s even a curious meeting at the intersection of Vernon Duke and Ethel Merman – Sadie Thompson.  Blackhurst has created a lively show devoted to possibly the only composer to dine regularly with Prokofiev and Gershwin. 

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Michael Childers Presents One Night Only, “New York, New York” benefiting the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center with direction by Scott Coulter and musical direction by Todd Schroeder. The cast features the best of Broadway and Hollywood performers. All performers donate their time, and their appearances are subject to availability. The cast includes Jason Alexander, Christine Andreas, Edmund Bagnell, Brent Barrett, Klea Blackhurst, Carole J. Bufford, Keith Carradine, Julie Garnyé, Alex Getlin, Anita Gillette, Debbie Gravitte, Sam Harris, Alix Korey, Blaine Krauss, Skye LaFontaine, Lesli Margherita, Amanda McBroom, Sean McDermott, Ken Page, Teri Ralson, Lee Roy Reams, Gary Shaw, Seth Sikes, Billy Stritch, Nita Whitaker, and Nickerson-Rossi Dance.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available through the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at (760) 773-1636 for $495 each and include an after-theatre party with the cast. BUT check the website, because there are normal ticket prices too!!

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“It’s Broadway razzle-dazzle of the highest order.” —Los Angeles Times

Six times a year Klea Blackhurst, Jason Graae, Debbie Gravitte, Ron Raines, Scott Coulter along with Musical Director, John Boswell, head to the performing art centers and orchestras of America to spread the words and wisdom of Jerry Herman. Jerry was a legendary songsmith. In the tradition of Irving Berlin - the master of the show tune -these are songs that have had a healthy life outside of the shows for which they were originally written. From Hello, Dolly! and Mame to Mack and Mabel and La Cage aux Folles, Herman lit up Broadway for decades with toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical moments. Jerry created songs that were like him, bouncy, buoyant and optimistic. That innate optimism allowed him to express himself honestly. Never afraid to say I Am What I Am, he reminds us that It Only Takes a Moment to Open a New Window and Tap Your Troubles Away Before the Parade Passes By because The Best Of Times is Now! It’s Today!

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“It’s Broadway razzle-dazzle of the highest order.” —Los Angeles Times

Six times a year Klea Blackhurst, Jason Graae, Debbie Gravitte, Ron Raines, Scott Coulter along with Musical Director, John Boswell, head to the performing art centers and orchestras of America to spread the words and wisdom of Jerry Herman. Jerry was a legendary songsmith. In the tradition of Irving Berlin - the master of the show tune -these are songs that have had a healthy life outside of the shows for which they were originally written. From Hello, Dolly! and Mame to Mack and Mabel and La Cage aux Folles, Herman lit up Broadway for decades with toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical moments. Jerry created songs that were like him, bouncy, buoyant and optimistic. That innate optimism allowed him to express himself honestly. Never afraid to say I Am What I Am, he reminds us that It Only Takes a Moment to Open a New Window and Tap Your Troubles Away Before the Parade Passes By because The Best Of Times is Now! It’s Today!

More Information & Tickets Here ⟶

A three-part series exploring and celebrating the wonders of the human voice through the lens of vocal healthcare. In partnership with the Greenwich Arts Council, Klea joins Dr. Michael Lerner and Andrew Keltz, the Voice Center’s voice-specialized speech-language pathologist, Andrew Keltz, MS, CCC-SLP (and also Klea’s dear friend!) as they curate a collection of vocal performances alongside discussions and presentations on vocal health, vocal injury, and rehabilitation. A little art, a little science (with an emphasis on the latter) this evening, part one in a three-part series, promises to be both intellectually engaging and artistically inspiring.

A student of the late voice researcher Jo Estill, Klea learned to sing from both a physiological and interpretive point of view. Anatomy and acting come together in a technique that is the cornerstone of her vocal pedagogy. Klea has conducted master classes in high schools, colleges and universities in many of the cities in which she regularly visits and works. She is a distinguished Alumna of the University of Utah.

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The Dutch Treat Club presents Jesse Green discussing his new book Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers with musical guest Klea Blackhurst!

Many moons ago, in a far-off place, Klea played Princess Winnifred in Once Upon A Mattress at the Lagoon Opera House just outside Salt Lake City… she had the time of her life! She is thrilled to be performing the song SHY from Mattress and a few of Mary Rodgers delightful often unsung songs. Mary Rodgers was a songwriter, children's book author, philanthropist and — perhaps most famously — the daughter of theatrical legend Richard Rodgers. Though she died in 2014, her memoirs were recently published. Titled Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers, the book is co-authored by New York Times theater critic Jesse Green. Come hear Green talk about his new book. It’s guaranteed to be part of every musical theatre lover’s library! It’s already the talk of the town. The product of hundreds of hours he spent with Rodgers, it has extensive, entertaining, even gossipy footnotes on just about every page. There's an asterisk after the very first word, "Daddy," and the note explains: "If you've read this far, you probably know that Daddy was Richard Rodgers (1902-1979): composer, womanizer, alcoholic, genius."

Please RSVP so the chef can prepare your lunch! $45 dollars gets you in the room and fed!

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Klea takes off her eyelashes and heels and puts on her teaching cap! She’ll focus on giving actors the opportunity to bring their audition and performance skills to the next level while exploring a better connection to their audition material. Students will work one on one with Klea in a class setting. You can be 1. A WORKING PARTICIPANT (limited to 8. Sandhills Community College students have first priority) Or 2. AN OBSERVER: you won’t be performing, but will have the opportunity to watch others work and ask questions during the Q&A.

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Everything The Traffic Will Allow, Klea Blackhurst’s award-winning and critically acclaimed tribute to Ethel Merman, took New York by storm in 2001 and has continued to wow audiences and critics alike nationwide ever since. Accompanied by Musical Director, Michael Rice on piano, Klea brings bright new interpretations of Merman’s signature songs such as “I Got Rhythm,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” as well as rarely performed obscurities including “Just A Moment Ago,” “I’ve Still Got My Health,” and “World Take Me Back.” Join us to experience Klea’s crackling wit and powerful vocals as she performs her brilliant, savvy valentine to one of American theater’s greatest stars.

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From "A Cockeyed Optimist" to "The Yodeling Muchacha", An Evening with Klea Blackhurst is a wonderful celebration of classic American popular songs, Broadway show tunes as well as a few contemporary surprises.

Klea will have you listening and laughing at the lyrics of Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Yip Harburg, Ira Gershwin, Oscar Hammerstein, Jerry Herman and many more!

Klea has performed in legendary halls from The London Palladium to Carnegie Hall, The Royal Albert Hall to Jazz at Lincoln Center and with symphony orchestras from Atlanta to Philly. Known for her Ethel Merman tribute, Everything The Traffic Will Allow and her homage to Jerry Herman, One of the Girls, she’s considered an expert on the Golden Age of the American musical. She has starred in classics like Gypsy and Hello, Dolly! But she’s also brought her brand of comedy to the development of new works. Notably the world premiere of Hazel, Maid in America directed by Lucie Arnaz. And The Nutty Professor, directed by Jerry Lewis, with a score by Rupert Holmes and EGOT winner, Marvin Hamlisch. Klea is a distinguished Alumna of the University of Utah and plays second trumpet in the LGBAC Marching Band.

A $25 Food and Beverage minimum is required of all patrons.

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BIRDLAND will present the return of Klea Blackhurst: "One of the Girls: the Words and Music of Jerry Herman" on Monday, February 21 at 7:00 PM. After a hit engagement at the venue last fall, Blackhurst will bring back her salute to the beloved songwriter for one night only. "One of the Girls" is produced by Denise Cooper, directed by Mark Waldrop, and features musical direction by Michael Rice, who leads the Pocket Change Trio. There is a $40 music charge. Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street in New York.

Klea turns her long association with Broadway’s Jerry Herman into a brand new show, ONE OF THE GIRLS. Considered one of Herman’s premier interpreters, Klea officially became one of “Jerry’s Girls” when she starred in the 50th Anniversary Production of Hello, Dolly! at Goodspeed Opera House. But they were introduced years before, when Jerry heard Klea sing one of the cut Hello, Dolly! songs written for Ethel Merman (the original choice to star in the show). He immediately invited Klea to sing with the London Philharmonic at the Palladium and she’s been singing his songs with symphony orchestras across the country ever since. ONE OF THE GIRLS will focus attention on the powerful, loving, and memorable women in Jerry’s life. Both real, like his dear mother Ruth, who taught him that you could throw a party simply because “It’s Today” and characters like Mame, who encouraged us to “Open A New Window”, Dolly Levi, who decided to rejoin the human race “Before The Parade Passes By” and Zaza, who bravely declared, “I Am What I Am.” Jerry has lifted wonderful women off the page and into our hearts for almost six decades.

The Brownville Concert Series in Brownville, Nebraska

Klea, Jim, and Billy take their beloved Christmas show on the road. Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass are coming too!! Let the season countdown truly begin.

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The Brownville Concert Series in Brownville, Nebraska

Klea, Jim, and Billy take their beloved Christmas show on the road. Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass are coming too!! Let the season countdown truly begin.

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The Brownville Concert Series in Brownville, Nebraska

Klea, Jim, and Billy take their beloved Christmas show on the road. Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass are coming too!! Let the season countdown truly begin.

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Direction by Scott Coulter and Music Direction by Todd Schroeder. The cast features the best of Broadway and Hollywood performers. All performers donate their time and their appearances are subject to availability. The cast includes Lucie Arnaz, Brent Barrett, Klea Blackhurst, Debby Boone, Carole J. Bufford, David Burnham, Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, Scott Coulter, Laura Dickinson, Julie Garnyé, Jason Graae, Sam Harris, Aaron Lazar, Skye LaFontaine, Amanda McBroom, Ken Page, Jeffrey Scott Parsons, Freda Payne, Joan Ryan, Gary Shaw, Jake Simpson, Kevin Spirtas, Nita Whitaker and Lily Tomlin. A limited number of VIP tickets are available through the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at (760) 773-1636 for $495 each and include after-theatre party with the cast. But check the website, there are normal ticket prices too!!

The event will be benefitting the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.

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This one is for the ages! Look at this list of performers! It’s unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable! While it rolls along alphabetically, you’ll notice at the very end it reads, “and Lily Tomlin” LILY TOMLIN!! I am beside myself. I cannot wait to get there, dust off a little ditty from the ‘70’s and bask in the glow of LILY TOMLIN! I saw Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, 9 times. It was perhaps the greatest piece of art (soup?) I’ve ever experienced. It changed my life. To Jane Wagner and Lily Tomlin, I gratefully say, “THANK YOU.”

The one-time-only Irving Berlin gala on October 27 honors the immigrant who offered a conduit-in-song to the human condition and the human emotions. Irving Berlin’s words and music continue to represent our hearts, humor and hopes. The amazing amalgamation of artists scheduled to perform in The Melody Lingers On include Karen Akers, Christine Andreas, Klea Blackhurst, Stephanie Blythe, Carole J. Bufford, Natalie Douglas, Eric Yves Garcia, Aisha de Haas, Jeff Harnar, Nicolas King, David LaMarr (This year’s recipient of The Julie Wilson Award), Andrea Marcovicci, Karen Mason, The Moipei Triplets, Todd Murray, Sidney Myer, Mark Nadler, Karen Oberlin, Steve Ross, Sandy Stewart, Billy Stritch, Stacy Sullivan, and Amra-Faye Wright. As an additional highlight, Ms. Akers will accept The Mabel Mercer Foundation’s 2021 Mabel Award.

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A Public Celebration of Tin Pan Alley Music!

Klea is delighted to be hosting this outdoor public concert on TIN PAN ALLEY DAY! Come celebrate the official landmark designation of Tin Pan Alley on West 28th Street - it is the birthplace of American popular music, after all. It should be a fantastic and entertaining day. And it’s all free! (You can always consider making a generous donation to further the mission to preserve America’s unparalleled musical heritage.

This will be the debut of Klea’s first new show in almost eight years! THIS IS BIG!! The pandemic put a stop to this show’s grand launch in 2020, but we’re back and fully vaxxed, so come hear the music play! Produced by Denise Cooper. Directed by Mark Waldrop. With Musical Direction by Michael Rice, who will be leading the Pocket Change Trio.

Klea turns her long association with Broadway’s Jerry Herman into a brand new show, ONE OF THE GIRLS. Considered one of Herman’s premier interpreters, Klea officially became one of “Jerry’s Girls” when she starred in the 50th Anniversary Production of Hello, Dolly! at Goodspeed Opera House. But they were introduced years before, when Jerry heard Klea sing one of the cut Hello, Dolly! songs written for Ethel Merman (the original choice to star in the show.) He immediately invited Klea to sing with the London Philharmonic at the Palladium and she’s been singing his songs with symphony orchestras across the country ever since. ONE OF THE GIRLS will focus attention on the powerful, loving and memorable women in Jerry’s life. Both real, like his dear mother Ruth, who taught him that you could throw a party simply because “It’s Today” and characters like Mame, who encouraged us to “Open A New Window”, Dolly Levi, who decided to rejoin the human race “Before The Parade Passes By” and Zaza, who bravely declared, “I Am What I Am”. Jerry has lifted wonderful women off the page and into our hearts for almost six decades.

More Information & Tickets Here ⟶

This will be the debut of Klea’s first new show in almost eight years! THIS IS BIG!! The pandemic put a stop to this show’s grand launch in 2020, but we’re back and fully vaxxed, so come hear the music play! Produced by Denise Cooper. Directed by Mark Waldrop. With Musical Direction by Michael Rice, who will be leading the Pocket Change Trio.

Klea turns her long association with Broadway’s Jerry Herman into a brand new show, ONE OF THE GIRLS. Considered one of Herman’s premier interpreters, Klea officially became one of “Jerry’s Girls” when she starred in the 50th Anniversary Production of Hello, Dolly! at Goodspeed Opera House. But they were introduced years before, when Jerry heard Klea sing one of the cut Hello, Dolly! songs written for Ethel Merman (the original choice to star in the show.) He immediately invited Klea to sing with the London Philharmonic at the Palladium and she’s been singing his songs with symphony orchestras across the country ever since. ONE OF THE GIRLS will focus attention on the powerful, loving and memorable women in Jerry’s life. Both real, like his dear mother Ruth, who taught him that you could throw a party simply because “It’s Today” and characters like Mame, who encouraged us to “Open A New Window”, Dolly Levi, who decided to rejoin the human race “Before The Parade Passes By” and Zaza, who bravely declared, “I Am What I Am”. Jerry has lifted wonderful women off the page and into our hearts for almost six decades.

More Information & Tickets Here ⟶

This will be the debut of Klea’s first new show in almost eight years! THIS IS BIG!! The pandemic put a stop to this show’s grand launch in 2020, but we’re back and fully vaxxed, so come hear the music play! Produced by Denise Cooper. Directed by Mark Waldrop. With Musical Direction by Michael Rice, who will be leading the Pocket Change Trio.

Klea turns her long association with Broadway’s Jerry Herman into a brand new show, ONE OF THE GIRLS. Considered one of Herman’s premier interpreters, Klea officially became one of “Jerry’s Girls” when she starred in the 50th Anniversary Production of Hello, Dolly! at Goodspeed Opera House. But they were introduced years before, when Jerry heard Klea sing one of the cut Hello, Dolly! songs written for Ethel Merman (the original choice to star in the show.) He immediately invited Klea to sing with the London Philharmonic at the Palladium and she’s been singing his songs with symphony orchestras across the country ever since. ONE OF THE GIRLS will focus attention on the powerful, loving and memorable women in Jerry’s life. Both real, like his dear mother Ruth, who taught him that you could throw a party simply because “It’s Today” and characters like Mame, who encouraged us to “Open A New Window”, Dolly Levi, who decided to rejoin the human race “Before The Parade Passes By” and Zaza, who bravely declared, “I Am What I Am”. Jerry has lifted wonderful women off the page and into our hearts for almost six decades.

More Information & Tickets Here ⟶

Klea’s appearance in 2004 was so popular she’s been given the rare invitation to come back and headline what has become “...arguably Dallas’ coolest arts-related fundraiser...” or so says the Dallas Morning News! Founded in 1993 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dallas Children's Theater and to raise critical annual funds for the organization. Now celebrating its 29th year, having raised nearly $2.7 million, the Cabaret Gala has developed a reputation as one of the most popular fundraising evenings in Dallas! Klea will be performing her critically acclaimed tribute to Ethel Merman. And she’d love to thank darling, Artie Olaisen, for his true love of the arts and this invitation!

Seating is extremely limited for reservations please call 214-978-0110

No tickets will be sold at the door!

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For the ELEVENTH year, Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch will perform “A Swinging Birdland Christmas.” If you’ve not been able to make it to NYC for the holidays, now is your chance to sit back from anywhere in the world and see what all the huzzah has been about. Yes virtually! Birdland is proud to present a new streaming video platform: Radio Free Birdland!

In the tradition of beloved seasonal specials, Blackhurst, Caruso, and Stritch will perform swinging arrangements of “Christmas Waltz,” Kay Thompson’s “Holiday Season,” “Sleigh Ride,” “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm,” “Snow,” and “It Happened In Sun Valley,” among other favorites.

Last year, the trio was proud to release the studio cd, “Christmas at Birdland,” produced by Wayne Haun, released on Club44 Records, and distributed worldwide through Sony/Provident Distribution. (Rose to #2 on iTunes and #7 on Billboard). The singers will be joined by Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums.

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This is going to be an event you won’t want to miss! This moving and uplifting evening of song and dance was filmed throughout the Goodspeed Opera House and features performances from an incredibly talented cast of Goodspeed and Broadway stars.

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